Highboy Steering Gear

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 28, 2021 | 09:52 AM

old_line

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2019

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Highboy Steering Gear

Re: my 1975 Highboy, I've been triaging issues with the steering and power assist. I've already replaced the power assist ram cylinder (badly leaking), and am getting ready to replace the Bendix-style valve (leaking but less badly). I am also planning to replace the steering shaft, as I've identified the worn joint where the shaft meets up with the steering gear (technically not a "rag joint" but hopefully you get what I'm talking about) as the source of excessive play in the steering wheel. Given that I've already replaced the ram cylinder, and am getting ready to replace both the valve and the steering shaft, and the disassembly required in both those procedures, I'm taking votes on whether I should also just preemptively replace the steering gear while I'm at it. Of course I understand "if it ain't broke" and I'm generally not in favor of spending an unnecessary $500 when I don't have to, but am also trying to be realistic and efficient with my time, and if I'm destined for a gearbox replacement, inclined to just take care of it now. As near as I can tell, the gearbox is original.

Apr 28, 2021 | 11:00 AM

Mark8man

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 995

Likes: 317

If there is no play in the gearbox I wouldn't bother replacing. The output shaft seal can be replaced without disassembling if its leaking.

Apr 28, 2021 | 11:15 AM

440 sixpack

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 7,847

Likes: 2,353

If you get to that point just put the Benchworks kit on and never look back. you won't regret it.

Apr 28, 2021 | 01:41 PM

jakeharp

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 1,311

Likes: 31

From: Nevada

Your call, your taking the drop arm off anyhow to get the valve off and your disconnecting the shaft so, 3 more bolts and the box is out? Send'er to Bluetop or redhead and be done.... its pricey, i piece mealed mine over several months... Oh and chances of you getting the correct hoses for your valve to pump are slim to none, if you have a good local hose shop, bring them down and have them match'em up....

Apr 28, 2021 | 03:20 PM

old_line

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2019

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Good reminder on the hoses--there's some electrical tape of unknown origin on them, sure it's a sign that everything is okay....

Apr 28, 2021 | 04:21 PM

jakeharp

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 1,311

Likes: 31

From: Nevada

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_line

Good reminder on the hoses--there's some electrical tape of unknown origin on them, sure it's a sign that everything is okay....

Ah thats funny .... For some reason when you order the hoses for that setup, one of them has the wrong fitting, I fell for it and several others around here did also. The ones that go from the valve to the ram match good from online parts stores... luckily i have a good hose shop in town and they hooked me up while i waited. When i bought my truck the bottom of the truck was covered in layers of power steering fluid..... the hoses at the valve were all smoked and the PO just kept adding fluid.....musta been years worth.

Apr 28, 2021 | 05:30 PM

old_line

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Nov 2019

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Similar experience, my first morning after bringing it home I found a pool of power steering fluid on the garage floor, for me it was the ram cylinder, it was coming out as fast I could fill it.